SCS Expands Biofuel Certification Services into Southeast Asia

ISCC Gives Growing Asian Biofuel Industry Access to European Market

EMERYVILLE, Calif., March 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SCS Global Services has announced the expansion of its biofuel certification services in Southeast Asia. The veteran third-party environmental certification body will now conduct audits under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) program, which will allow biofuel producers in Southeast Asia to meet the requirements for export into the European Union under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.

"When produced responsibly, as confirmed against international norms, biofuels have the potential to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and provide a low-carbon alternative," said Dr. Robert J. Hrubes, Executive Vice President of SCS. "Companies that achieve ISCC certification can credibly demonstrate that their product is an environmentally beneficial energy source."

A number of Asian countries have set national goals related to biofuel usage. The governments of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines each have put biofuel mandates in place that require a certain percentage of energy to be produced with biofuels. Certifications like ISCC can ensure that the expansion of biofuel production will not negatively impact food security and will not create an incentive for deforestation.

"There is a strong demand for sustainable biofuels coming from the European market," said Todd Frank, Director of SCS Southeast Asia. "Third-party certification under programs like ISCC can help safeguard natural resources in Asia, while giving local businesses access to the international market."

SCS also offers certifications for responsibly produced biofuels under the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) and Bonsucro standards.